Texas Schools Can Soon Adopt Voluntary Prayer Policies

It has often been said that as long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer in school. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants to make sure.

Prayer in Texas Schools

In a September 2nd press release, State Attorney General Ken Paxton encouraged Texas schools to set aside time for prayer and the reading of scripture following the enactment of Senate Bill 11 on September 1, 2025.

Senate Bill 11

Senate Bill 11 allows school boards to adopt policies setting aside time for voluntary prayer and the reading of the Bible or other religious texts. According to the press release, “The law requires that the board of trustees for each ISD in Texas take a record vote on whether to adopt a policy to implement these periods no later than six months after September 1, 2025. Student participation in these periods requires parental consent.” The bill also directs the Office of the Attorney General to defend any school district or charter school that adopts such a policy if the policy is challenged in court.

Senate Bill 10

Senate Bill 10 was enacted in May. The bill mandated that schools post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The Ten Commandments law requires the copy be at least 16”x20” in size. The bill is currently being challenged in court.

Freedom of Religion for Texas Students

Texas students have a constitutional right to religious expression in school if it does not interfere with classroom instruction. These rights include voluntary prayer and religious discussions. At the same time, Texas law also states that students cannot be forced to take part in religious activities.